KOTA KINABALU: Sabahans should register themselves to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
This was the firm belief of Sabah Wildlife assistant director Dr Sen Nathan when personnel of the department's Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU) received their Covid-19 vaccine shots today.
He said by being vaccinated, it would help a person develop antibodies that could reduce the probability of Covid-19 transmission or any severe illness from it.
He said vaccinations also helps protect people in the 'at-risk' groups.
"To those who are still skeptical about taking the Covid-19 vaccine, it is given to control the transmission of Covid-19.
"I hope all Sabahans will take this vaccination. Please register to receive the Covid-19 vaccine for the safety of all Sabahans.
"Remember, we take care of each other. 'Kita jaga kita'," he said on Facebook after WRU staff received their inoculation today.
Sen said all 33 rangers and veterinarians who received their first dose were from a very active rescue unit.
He said the WRU was always conducting wildlife conservation work throughout Sabah, regardless of an area being a Covid-19 red zone or not.
"The work we carry out includes rescue operations and treatments of wildlife animals such as elephants, orangutans, and other wildlife," he said.
Sen also thanked Sabah Health director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi; Dr Mervin Matthew; and Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga for providing the opportunity for all WRU rangers and veterinarians to get their Covid-19 vaccine.
"We would also like to thank all the organisations that sponsored WRU by allocating funds to pay salaries, allowances and wildlife rescue operations."
He also expressed gratitude to the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) and a non-governmental organisation, Orangutan Appeal United Kingdom, which is chaired by Datuk Susan Sheward.
He also thanked the Oregon Zoo in the United States.
"Without their strong support, WRU would not have been able to assist the Sabah Wildlife Department for these 11 years in carrying out wildlife rescue throughout the state," he said.